Wests Tigers consider signing jailed hooker Manase Fainu

Wests Tigers are considering throwing an NRL lifeline to Manase Fainu when he is released from jail in a move that could deliver one of the most stunning rugby league comebacks of all time.

Fainu is eligible for parole in October after being jailed for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader at a church dance in Sydney’s south-west in 2019. The former Manly hooker has been incarcerated since December 2022 and has not played in the NRL since he made a semi-final appearance for the Sea Eagles in 2019.

Given the seriousness of the crime – a jury found him guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm – and the lengthy layoff, it appeared Fainu’s promising rugby league career was over.

However, sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, have told this masthead the Tigers have discussed the prospect of offering Fainu a pathway back to professional rugby league. The club’s motivation primarily comes from a desire to extend the contract of his brother, star forward Samuela Fainu, who becomes a free agent on November 1.

Siblings Samuela, Sione and Latu Fainu are already on the Tigers’ books and the brothers have spoken publicly about their desire for all four to play together at the one club. The Tigers have discussed ways Manase could be integrated back into the rugby league community upon his release, which may result in the 27-year-old being offered a train-and-trial contract.

However, there are several obstacles that must first be overcome. Such a deal would require the approval of the Tigers board and the NRL, which would only be prepared to register Manase if he is considered a fit and proper person. Then there is the question of whether he can get himself back into the physical shape required to handle the demands of the NRL after such a long period out of the game.

Sione Fainu recently recommitted to the Tigers until the end of 2029, while Latu and Samuela are contracted until the end of 2027.

Samuela was one of the form back-rowers in the competition before a foot injury sidelined him in round nine. He is scheduled to return in round 22.

Speaking on The Reset podcast, Manase Fainu’s long-time mentor, Mario Tartak, said the former NSW under-19s hooker was “itching” to return to the game.

“Obviously, we’ve got to get some people onside over at the NRL,” Tartak said.

“I’m confident that everyone deserves a second chance. I’m hopeful we can get him back. That’s my dream.

“I know it’s his parent’s dream, and his brothers’. And let me say this to you, he called me from jail yesterday … and